Category |
Recommendations |
General |
For those with a Kapha constitution, it is recommended to opt for a light diet consisting of hot meals and beverages. Incorporating pungent and bitter flavors, as well as astringent, low-fat (dry), and hot foods can all be advantageous. In order to maintain balance, it is best to minimize or avoid oily foods, heavy and rich meals, as well as cold or iced foods and drinks that lean towards sweetness, sourness, or saltiness. |
Cereals |
If you're looking to balance and pacify kapha dosha, it's recommended to opt for grains such as barley, corn, millet, rye, and buckwheat instead of oats, rice, and wheat. |
Beans / Dhal |
Beans and legumes are an excellent choice for those looking to balance their kapha dosha. Their light and dry qualities enable them to absorb excess moisture, making them a plentiful selection for kapha balancing. However, it is important to avoid certain types of beans such as kidney beans, soy beans, soy cheese, soy flour, soy powder, cold tofu, and urad dal, as they can aggravate the kapha dosha. |
Vegetables |
When selecting kapha pacifying vegetables, it is recommended to favor ones that have light, dry, warm and pungent properties. Examples of such vegetables are leafy greens, parsley and radishes. On the other hand, it is advised to avoid veggies that possess sweet, moist, dense and heavy qualities, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash and yams. Moreover, cooked vegetables are considered the best option for balancing kapha dosha, while raw, cold vegetables should be avoided as they can be difficult to digest. |
Sweeteners |
If you are seeking to pacify kapha, most sweeteners should be avoided. Only honey has been found to pacify kapha, making it a recommended sweetener. |
Oils |
The Kapha diet recommends the consumption of lighter oils, such as olive oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, and pure ghee. However, it is important to use these oils in moderation to maintain a healthy balance. |
Nuts, Seeds |
The Kapha diet recommends the consumption of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. However, when aiming to balance Kapha, it is advisable to limit the intake of nuts and seeds to occasional consumption. |
Spices |
All the spices, except for salt, are recommended for kapha type. However, more pungent spices like pepper and ginger should be used in small amounts. Additionally, lemon juice can also be used in small quantities. |
Fruits |
Fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, cranberries, raisins, figs, dates (preferably with honey), peaches, apples, papaya, and guava are recommended for kapha type. Additionally, these fruits can be consumed in moderation and in combination with other kapha-reducing foods to balance the dosha. |
Meat |
Choosing to eat meat is fine, but it is recommended to limit consumption to only 2-3 times per week. Meat soups are a great choice for those who are recovering from an illness. Vegetarianism is also a good option for people with Kapha constitution. To maintain a healthy diet, it is advised to minimize the intake of beef, duck, lamb, pork, seafood, and shellfish. |
Dairy products |
Dairy products are a concern when trying to reduce kapha as they can be heavy and increase mucus production. As a general rule, one should consume dairy milk at least an hour before or after other foods. Milk should ideally be boiled and served hot with a pinch of turmeric or ginger to enhance digestion and reduce congestion. Goat's milk and Goat's milk products are lighter and better suited for kapha, although they should still be consumed in moderation. Almond and rice milks can serve as substitutes for those looking to avoid dairy. |